The 83rd Venice International Film Festival commenced Wednesday, drawing Hollywood stars and international filmmakers to the Lido for its 11-day run. The festival, established in 1932 as the world's oldest, is renowned for its prestige and its role as a launchpad for Oscar contenders.
This year's festival opens with Danny Boyle's "Ink," a film focusing on the early career of Rupert Murdoch. The lineup boasts a roster of anticipated films, including Martin McDonagh's dark comedy "Wild Horse Nine," starring Sam Rockwell and John Malkovich as CIA agents prior to the 1973 Chilean coup. McDonagh's previous works, "The Banshees of Inisherin" and "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," both premiered at Venice and secured best picture Oscar nominations.
Other notable entries include "Primetime," featuring Robert Pattinson as "To Catch a Predator" host Chris Hansen; Florian Zeller's psychological drama "Bunker," starring Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem; and Werner Herzog's "Bucking Fastard," with Rooney and Kate Mara playing twins. In documentaries, Alex Gibney's "Musk," an extensive investigation into Elon Musk, and Julia Loktev's "My Undesirable Friends: Part II — Exile," a study of Russian journalists, are also set to premiere.
Several prominent figures are expected to attend, including George Clooney, who will receive a lifetime achievement award and is a producer on "Furies." Other expected guests include Noel and Liam Gallagher, Pamela Anderson, Sam Rockwell, and Ellen Burstyn, who is also being honored with a lifetime achievement award.
Geopolitical Tensions and Festival Debates
This year's festival is not without its controversies. The inclusion of Ilya Khrzhanovsky's "DAU," a film inspired by Soviet physicists involved in the atomic bomb project, has drawn criticism. Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its embassy in Italy questioned the film's participation, citing its alleged links to the Russian state. Festival director Alberto Barbera defended the selection, stating that "DAU" denounces totalitarian regimes rather than promoting propaganda. Khrzhanovsky also issued a statement denouncing Russia's war against Ukraine.
These discussions echo similar geopolitical tensions seen at the Venice Biennale art exhibition earlier this year, where the jury resigned in protest of Russia and Israel's participation. A group called Venice4Palestine has called for the suspension of agreements with Israeli government entities and for the Palestinian flag to be flown during the festival. Two Palestinian films are included in the official selection: "Al Mowaten Osama" by Ahmed Hassouna and "Hiwar ma’ albahr" by Muayad Alayan.
Industry and Representation
The festival's commitment to gender parity in its main competition has also come under scrutiny. Out of 21 films competing for the Golden Lion, only one is directed by a woman, May el-Toukhy's "Woman Unknown." This falls short of a previous commitment made in 2018 to have at least half of the competition films directed by women by 2020.
The Venice Lido Experience
The festival takes place on the Lido, a barrier island accessible by a 20-minute ferry ride from Venice's main island. Once a 12th-century military outpost, the Lido evolved into a seaside resort, famously depicted in Thomas Mann's "Death in Venice" and Luchino Visconti's 1971 film adaptation.
Venice has solidified its position as a crucial stop in the awards circuit. Since premiering "Gravity" in 2013, which subsequently won seven Oscars, the festival has hosted four best picture winners: "Birdman," "Spotlight," "The Shape of Water," and "Nomadland." Last year, it featured two best picture nominees, "Frankenstein" and "Bugonia."
Celebrities often stay in luxury hotels on various islands, including the Hotel Cipriani and The Gritti Palace, opting for privacy away from the festival's bustle. Transportation to premieres and press conferences is frequently by private water taxi, with some short distances covered by car, often from the sponsoring automotive company. While motorized vehicles are permitted on the Lido, many attendees opt to cycle.
The main competition jury is presided over by actor and filmmaker Maggie Gyllenhaal, alongside other notable figures including Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania and Hong Kong filmmaker Johnnie To. Award winners are scheduled to be announced on September 12.